Update: MCSO says bullet killed coast man, not bear

A 45-year-old coast man who died of was reported to be a bear attack by a 9-1-1 caller actually died of a gunshot wound, the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office reported Monday.

Authorities are investigating the incident as a homicide after the caller reported a fatal bear attack in Westport Thursday night, according to the MCSO.

Sheriff's deputies and coast medical personnel were dispatched to the 4400 block of North Highway 1 in Westport at 10:35 p.m. and examined the deceased man, identified as Matthew Coleman of the Albion/Little River area. They found that his injuries hadn't likely been inflicted by a bear, according to the MCSO.

Sheriff's detectives responded to the scene to investigate.

A Monday autopsy revealed that Coleman died of a gunshot wound, according to the MCSO.

Coleman was found near his vehicle, and authorities believe he was conducting property management activity at a rural piece of property north of Westport when the incident took place, according to the MCSO.

Sheriff's detectives are working to establish leads in the alleged murder, continue to work with evidence gathered at the scene and are attempting to identify a suspect or suspects who may be responsible for Coleman's death.

The investigation continues. Anyone with information that could lead to the identification of suspects or about the incident itself is asked to call the MCSO at 467-9159 or 463-4086. Callers can remain anonymous.